2020 Rustler Carbon XT
2020 Rustler Carbon XT
Rustler Carbon XT will inspire you to get creative with your trail riding. With 150 mm front and 130 mm rear suspension travel, playful geometry, and 27.5” wheels, you’ll see rocks and roots as playthings rather than obstacles. With a lightweight carbon frame and the pedaling efficiency of the Split Pivot® rear suspension system, Rustler can hustle up the trail just as well as it flows down. Shimano’s XT drivetrain makes shifting second nature, while the four-piston brakes bring everything to a halt when summoned. Rediscover your favorite trails with Rustler Carbon XT.
This is an archived bike model. Explore the current range of Salsa bikes here.
Warning for Residents of California
Warning for Residents of California
⚠️ WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
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Product Details
Build Kit
- Frame: Rustler Carbon
- Fork: Fox Float 36 Performance Elite Grip2 150 mm, 37 mm offset
- Color: Green/Raw Fade
- Rear Shock: Fox Float DPS Performance Elite
- Front Der: N/A
- Rear Der: Shimano XT
- Cassette: Shimano XT, 10–51t, 12-speed
- Chain: Shimano XT
- Crankset: Shimano XT, 32t
- Shifter: Shimano XT
- Brakes & Rotors: Shimano XT four-piston, 180 mm rotors
- Headset: Cane Creek 40
- Stem: Salsa Guide 35.0
- Handlebar: Salsa Guide Deluxe 35.0 Aluminum
- Grips: Salsa File Tread Lock On
- Seatpost: TranzX YSI05 w/ Shimano Lever, 30 mm Travel Adjustable, Travel: XS/SM = 125 mm, MD = 150 mm, LG = 170 mm, XL = 200 mm
- Saddle: WTB Volt Comp
- Front Wheel : Shimano XT 15 x 110 mm hub, WTB KOM Trail i35 TCS 2.0 27.5" rim, Tubeless-Ready
- Rear Wheel: Shimano XT 12 x 148 mm hub, WTB KOM Trail i35 TCS 2.0 27.5" rim, Tubeless-Ready
- Tires: Maxxis Minion DHF front, Maxxis Minion DHR II rear, 27.5 x 2.6", 60 TPI, EXO, Tubeless-Ready
- Complete Bike: 31 lbs 2 oz for Large
Frame Specs
- Tire Size Range for 622/700c/29" Wheels*: Not Compatible
- Tire Size Range for 584/650b/27.5" Wheels*: 58–71mm (2.3–2.8")*
- Tire Size Range for 559/26" Wheels*: Not Compatible
- Maximum Wheel/Tire Diameter**: 727mm (28.6")
- Minimum Wheel/Tire Diameter***: 684mm (26.9")
- Suspension Fork Length (Travel): 522–542mm (130–150mm)
- Rigid Fork Length: N/A
- Fork Offset: 37–46mm
- Rear Shock: 210 x 50mm
- Shock Mount, Fore: Ø8 x 40mm (bearing mount possible)
- Shock Mount, Aft: Ø8 x 12.5mm (included)
- Pivot Kit: Refer to Suspension Frame Service Instructions
- Bearings: 17287 (qty 4), 6801 (qty 6)
- Headset, Upper: IS41
- Headset, Lower: IS52
- Seatpost: Ø30.9mm
- Seat Collar: Carbon: 35.4mm, Aluminum: 35.0mm
- Dropper Compatible (Routing): Yes, internal/stealth
- Bottom Bracket: 73mm BSA w/ ISCG-05 Mounts (Carbon frames feature removable ISCG-05 bracket)
- Crankset (Max Ring): Boost-148 - 52mm chainline only 1x: 32t max
- Rear Brake (Rotor): Post mount 180mm, (Ø200mm max)
- Rear Spacing: 148 x 12mm thru-axle
- Rear Axle Size: Ø12 x 188mm, TP = 1.75, TL = 20
- Derailleur Hanger: FS2322
- Bottle Mounts: Top tube bag mounts
Geometry
| Metric | XS - 150mm Fork | SM - 150mm Fork | MD - 150mm Fork | LG - 150mm Fork | XL - 150mm Fork | XS - 140mm Fork | SM - 140mm Fork | MD - 140mm Fork | LG - 140mm Fork | XL - 140mm Fork |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top Tube Effective Metric | 563 / 562 | 595 / 594 | 616 / 615 | 638 / 637 | 659 / 658 | 562 / 561 | 593 / 592 | 615 / 614 | 636 / 635 | 658 / 657 |
| Seat Tube Length Metric | 368 | 406 | 432 | 470 | 508 | 368 | 406 | 432 | 470 | 508 |
| Head Tube Length Metric | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 | 100 | 110 | 120 | 130 | 140 |
| Head Tube Angle | 65.8 / 66.1 | 65.8 / 66.1 | 65.8 / 66.1 | 65.8 / 66.1 | 65.8 / 66.1 | 66.3 / 66.5 | 66.3 / 66.5 | 66.3 / 66.5 | 66.3 / 66.5 | 66.3 / 66.5 |
| Seat Tube Angle | 73.7 / 74.0 | 73.7 / 74.0 | 73.7 / 74.0 | 73.7 / 74.0 | 73.7 / 74.0 | 74.1 / 74.3 | 74.1 / 74.3 | 74.1 / 74.3 | 74.1 / 74.3 | 74.1 / 74.3 |
| BB Drop Metric | 12.6 / 10 | 12.6 / 10 | 12.6 / 10 | 12.6 / 10 | 12.6 / 10 | 16 / 12.8 | 16 / 12.8 | 16 / 12.8 | 16 / 12.8 | 16 / 12.8 |
| Chainstay Length Metric | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 | 426 / 425 |
| Fork Length Metric | 542 | 542 | 542 | 542 | 542 | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 | 532 |
| Fork Offset Metric | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 | 37 |
| Wheelbase Metric | 1114 / 1113 | 1147 / 1146 | 1170 / 1169 | 1193 / 1192 | 1216 / 1215 | 1110 / 1109 | 1143 / 1142 | 1166 / 1165 | 1189 / 1188 | 1212 / 1211 |
| Stack Metric | 584 / 582 | 593 / 591 | 602 / 601 | 611 / 610 | 621 / 619 | 580 / 579 | 590 / 588 | 599 / 597 | 608 / 606 | 617 / 615 |
| Reach Metric | 391 / 394 | 420 / 423 | 439 / 442 | 458 / 461 | 476 / 480 | 396 / 398 | 425 / 427 | 444 / 446 | 463 / 465 | 482 / 484 |
| Standover Metric | 706 / 708 | 709 / 711 | 709 / 711 | 709 / 711 | 709 / 711 | 701 / 703 | 705 / 707 | 705 / 707 | 705 / 707 | 705 / 707 |
| Rider Height Metric | 155cm–168cm | 168cm–175cm | 175cm–183cm | 183cm–190cm | 190cm–UP | 155cm–168cm | 168cm–175cm | 175cm–183cm | 183cm–190cm | 190cm–UP |
| Stem Length | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 | 50 |
| Crank Length | 165 | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 | 165 | 170 | 170 | 175 | 175 |
| Handlebar Width | 760mm | 760mm | 800mm | 800mm | 800mm | 760mm | 760mm | 800mm | 800mm | 800mm |
| Seatpost Offset Metric | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
- An unsprung bike (no sag)
- 150mm chart reflects measurement with an average 150mm 27.5 suspension fork; 140mm chart reflects measurement with an average 140mm 27.5 suspension fork
- A 27.5 x 2.6" tire measuring 717mm in diameter
- Standover is measured 50mm in front of bottom bracket
- Note: Where two measurements are listed, the first number is with Flip Chip in Low position; the second number is with Flip Chip in High position
Supportive Documents
Support Document links
- Bicycle Owner's Manual
- ASTM 3 Framesheet
- 2019+ Split Pivot Suspension Setup
- Main Pivot Instructions
- Control Link Pivot Instructions
- Rear Axle Pivots and Hanger Instructions
- Gen 3 Link Bolt Type 1 Instructions
- Shock Mount Hardware Instructions
- 584823 SAL ISCG Bracket Ring INST VF EN FR Web
- ASTM Riding Conditions Classifications
- Suspension Frame Service Gen 3 - Flip Chip 1593 Shock Mount Hardware
Additional Features
Split Pivot® Rear Suspension System
Split Pivot provides a host of impressive suspension characteristics because the system isolates pedaling forces and braking forces from each other, allowing us to tune and optimize the bike for both independently. The concentric rear axle pivot, in conjunction with precise wheel link, brake link, and control link placement, results in: Excellent bump compliance / Incredible pedaling efficiency / Smooth and predictable braking throughout travel / Maximum traction
Progressive Leverage Rate
The leverage rate is progressive and offers plenty of bottom out performance at the end of the stroke, promoting more confidence and control on bigger hits and a deeper feel to the travel. The beginning and mid-stroke remain relatively unchanged, providing extremely supple small bump compliance off the top for a smooth ride and consistent mid-travel support to help combat rider fatigue and maintain bike geometry. A slightly lower overall rate yields lower shock pressures making for easier and quicker initial setup
Consistent Braking Traction
The Split Pivot® suspension design allows us to isolate braking forces from the rest of the system. Braking effect on suspension is minimal and consistent throughout the suspension travel
Efficient Pedaling
Our anti-squat design leads to better pedaling performance. This is partly the result of designing the bike to be 1x specific and optimized around a 32-tooth chainring. The riding result is incredibly efficient pedaling without the need to over dampen the rear shock (thereby hindering small bump compliance) or necessitating the use of a lockout
Metric Shock Standard
This shock standard brings a host of benefits: Increased stiffness in rear triangle/rear suspension frame members / Able to be fine-tuned for improved ride quality and personal preference
Flip Chip
Integrated into the shock link mount, the Flip Chip allows simple, quick adjustments to bottom bracket height/headtube angle to account for wheel size, tire diameter, terrain, or rider preference
EPS Carbon Main Triangle with Carbon Seatstay
EPS construction allows for greater manufacturing control, smooth surfacing, a simplified bottom bracket junction, and an integrated shock mount. Carbon fiber material offers improved stiffness, better vibration damping, excellent toughness and weight savings compared to other materials. 6066-T6 aluminum heat-treated chainstays add durability
Rustler Geometry
– Rustler is designed to be a playful, responsive trail bike. It features nimble but capable geometry. The sub-66-degree head tube angle provides stability and confidence at speed but retains low-speed handling and keeps overall wheelbase in check. 425 mm chainstays and dedicated 27.5" wheels make Rustler the liveliest full-suspension bike in our lineup. The compact suspension layout and low top tube facilitate on-trail body language and provide stellar standover clearance on all sizes. The flip chip can be used to adjust head tube angle and bottom bracket height based on tire size, terrain, or personal preference
Modern Trail Bike Fit
Rustler is designed for a modern trail bike fit. This means a short stem, wide bar, and longer effective top tube are used to place the rider in the same position they are familiar with on their older trail bike. This results in a more precise steering motion due to the shorter stem, a lot of front wheel control with the wide bar, and plenty of front-center length and cockpit room for fore-aft body movement when things get rowdy. We’ve also done our best to provide a low top tube for on-trail body language shifts. Each frame size is designed around a 50 mm stem and wide bar. To maintain the correct hand position relative to the pedals and saddle, Rustler has a longer horizontal top tube. No need to size up when selecting a frame size with the intent of running 40 to 60 mm stems. We built it in for you
Top Tube Accessory Mounts
Bolt on your Salsa EXP Series Top Tube Bag for a secure connection and elimination of strap wear
Accommodates Full-Size Bottle
All Rustler sizes accept a full-sized (26 oz) water bottle within the front triangle
Internal Sleeved Cable Routing
Internal tubes guide housing through the frame, simplifying setup and maintenance, and creating a clean bike profile
Dropper Post Stealth Routing Compatible
Compatible with 30.9mm dropper seatposts for true trail bike performance.
Molded Frame Protection
Protects your investment from impacts.
FAQ
Do you offer touch-up paint?
No, we do not offer touch up paint. Hobby shops or automotive stores are excellent places to find paint. We suggest you test the paint on a scrap piece of metal before using it on your frame.
I crashed and dented (or cracked) my frame. Is it safe to ride?
Stop riding your frame immediately and take it to the nearest Salsa authorized dealer for inspection. A dented or cracked tube represents a structural weakening of the frame, and is a safety risk.
What is the warranty for this bike?
View <a href="http://salsacycles.com/support/warranty" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warranty</a>
Warranty Information
All Salsa products are warranted against manufacturing defects in materials and workmanship from the date of retail purchase of the product, subject to the limitations detailed below.


